Preview — Kiss of Fire
by Deborah Cooke

When ace accountant Sara Keegan decides to settle down and run her quirky aunt's New Age bookstore, she's not looking for adventure. She doesn't believe in fate or the magic of tarot cards, but when she's saved from a vicious attack by a man who has the ability to turn into a fire-breathing dragon, she questions whether she's losOne kiss can change the course of destiny...

When ace accountant Sara Keegan decides to settle down and run her quirky aunt's New Age bookstore, she's not looking for adventure. She doesn't believe in fate or the magic of tarot cards, but when she's saved from a vicious attack by a man who has the ability to turn into a fire-breathing dragon, she questions whether she's losing her mind - or about to lose her heart.

Self-reliant loner Quinn Tyrrell has long been distrustful of his fellow Pyr. When he feels the firestorm that signals his destined mate, he's determined to protect and possess Sara, regardless of the cost. Then Sara's true destiny is revealed and Quinn realizes he must risk everything - even Sara's love - to fulfill their entwined fates....more

I started it on that day, but I have been putting it off ever since. For a book that has my favorite elements in the form of Dragons, I was somewhat let down. Everything was insta. Insta lust, lnsta discoveries, insta love, insta hatreds and insta friendships... There was no substance to any of it, while the writing style was conducive to introspection and musing. I just wish thetr was more to it...

Is there such a thing as boring dragons? Yes there is. Don't believe me? Ask Deborah Cooke, she knows ALL about it. She even managed to make a (supposedly hot) shower scene boring as hell. That's pretty deadly, if you ask me.

►► This delightful piece of literature being a totally gripping, utterly fascinating read, I am not even going to bother reviewing it. Because frankly, I have better things to do with my life. Want to read a revie► BR with my MacHalo Freaks starting Dec. 1, 2015.

DNF at 43%.

Is there such a thing as boring dragons? Yes there is. Don't believe me? Ask Deborah Cooke, she knows ALL about it. She even managed to make a (supposedly hot) shower scene boring as hell. That's pretty deadly, if you ask me.

►► This delightful piece of literature being a totally gripping, utterly fascinating read, I am not even going to bother reviewing it. Because frankly, I have better things to do with my life. Want to read a review for this masterpiece? Check out Kate's. You might learn a scientific fact (or two) in the process.

PS: Deborah Cooke, you should be ashamed of yourself for depicting such disastrously uninteresting, dull, flat, uninspired, lame-a-saurus dragons. I'm pretty sure Annwyl the Bloody does not approve. You should be afraid right now, very afraid.

DNF! This book can burn and then fuck off. It is so bloody boring. I've skimmed most of it and I can't go on past page 121 of 239. I was going to stop at page 79, but I wanted to see if Sarah was right about the boring shower scene. She was, it was a snooze fest. Also, the author didn't refer to any of their shower fun anatomy by the usual terms, instead she wrote, she grabbed him by his strength. What is that nonsense? I'm rather perturbed that that measly organ getsBuddy Read with the MacHalos

DNF! This book can burn and then fuck off. It is so bloody boring. I've skimmed most of it and I can't go on past page 121 of 239. I was going to stop at page 79, but I wanted to see if Sarah was right about the boring shower scene. She was, it was a snooze fest. Also, the author didn't refer to any of their shower fun anatomy by the usual terms, instead she wrote, she grabbed him by his strength. What is that nonsense? I'm rather perturbed that that measly organ gets all the strength glory. How about the pancreas? Do you know how dead you'd be without its digestive enzymes and Islets of Langerhans (produces insulin)? You'd be deader than this book's originality is. So to recap, the pancreas is the strength, not unnecessary organs...I'm looking at you, too, appendix. And the sexual tension in this book is about as potent as a wet ballon.

Back to this poser book. It moves slower than a snail. Anything that happens action wise is slowed so all the possible momentum dies before it even began. The rest of the book, besides the plot, is bursting with clichés and corny phrases you last heard in your middle school English class. So bad. It's not at all salvageable and that's a shame, because DRAGONS. This book has managed to make them boring and something I have no interest in. It's a sad day when even dragons can't save your book.

I just can't do it. It's too boring for me to make my brain remember more of the book to rage about. Suffice to say, I rarely DNF books, so you know this one sucked. Ugh. Ruining dragons.

For all interested, here's the quote in full about his strength. Pff, as if. They're in the shower naked in this scene.She closed one hand around Quinn’s strength and was surprised by the size of him. Her caress made him growl and she felt power in her touch. He caught her closer and his fingers slipped inside her..Now I'm pretty sure they were talking about frisky business, but maybe they weren't getting naughty with the usual appendages and orifices. Maybe she's testing the dexterity of his femur's osseous tissue, osteopenia is no joke. And maybe he's checking her oral interior to make sure she has all her teeth, like you would a horse before purchase. I'm hoping it's door #2, but knowing this book, it's the super boring first explanation. ...more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.2.5 stars

If you don’t try to analyse and pick at every little thing when you read (like me), then you’ll probably really like this book. It’s got a cool premise, just poor execution. There are two factions of dragon shape shifters, the Pyr who are the good guys that protect humans, and the Slayers who are the villains that want to kill them. Obviously, these two factions battle it out and kill each other, and because of this their population is slowly dwindling. The fact that dragons are all mal2.5 stars

If you don’t try to analyse and pick at every little thing when you read (like me), then you’ll probably really like this book. It’s got a cool premise, just poor execution. There are two factions of dragon shape shifters, the Pyr who are the good guys that protect humans, and the Slayers who are the villains that want to kill them. Obviously, these two factions battle it out and kill each other, and because of this their population is slowly dwindling. The fact that dragons are all male - with the exception of the Wyvern who is a prophetess of the Pyr - means that they have to mate with human women, but not just any women. Well, ok, they can mate with any women, but they can only breed with a destined mate during their ‘firestorm’, but this firestorm doesn’t actually involve any fire or storms. It’s more of a term used to describe the sparks and burning desire they get with their destined mate when it’s time to make babies. Each dragons’ firestorm comes individually, so some have been waiting longer than others.

So this firestorm sounds like a pretty big deal but actually it was just a pretty big let down. Quinn and Sara spend the first part of the book feeling sparks fly every time they so much as touch fingertips, but then the minute they have sex, the firestorm fizzles out. What really bothers me is that the morning after, Quinn discovers he has a gray hair, which means he’s getting older! Shock, horror! What does it mean? Because as far as I know, dragons are supposed to be immortal, and this is mentioned several times in the book, so how comes Quinn suddenly decides to age? Does it mean that when their firestorm is over, or once they conceive, they lose their immortality? If so, then it doesn’t make any sense whatsoever why they would do it, because apparently, the majority of dragons also don’t believe in love either. To them, destined mates are just baby making machines that they will protect and respect, but not love, so it doesn’t really make sense that they would bother to answer the call of the firestorm if it means they will age and die after it.

Then there is also the randomness of the Wyvern, who is captured at the start of the book by the Slayers and tortured into revealing which dragon is having a firestorm and who his destined mate is. She is then locked up and continually tortured by the bad guys just for fun and she doesn’t even try to escape. Then, at the end of the book, she reveals to the heroine that she could actually have escaped because as well as being a dragon shape shifter she can also turn into other small animals, which is something the Slayers don‘t know about. So at the end, she escapes by turning into a salamander (hahaha), and reveals that the reason she stayed and allowed herself to be tortured was so the hero and heroine would come together to rescue her. Right, because that was logical. Next time, maybe she should just try introducing the two over dinner or something, it’d be a lot less painful.

And the main thing that drove me mad was the fact that the author never bothered to describe the size of the dragons. So the whole time I was reading the book and imagining the scenes, I would alternate between picturing them huge like a proper dragon, or small human sized beasties. There were times when they were flying around in the sky, breathing fire and throwing each other around so you’d assume they were pretty big, but other times, they shift whilst they were still indoors. Like when Quinn shifted into a dragon inside a bookshop! So how big or small are they?I mean, please, I know we like to say size don’t matter but it really, really does! (In more ways than one!)

The beguiling thing was also rather annoying, because that’s what dragons do to stop humans from remembering seeing them flying around battling in the sky. But it doesn’t really make sense because it requires eye contact, and as far as I know, dragons only have one pair of eyes so how on earth they manage to beguile every single human who sees them fighting in the sky, I don’t know. It’s not like they’d simply stand around waiting for the dragons to finish their fights before coming down to stare into their eyes and make them forget.

I’ll admit, some of the ideas in this book were pretty good, but it felt like the author was too lazy to properly suss out a way to make these ideas viable, so half the time they didn’t make much sense. There were also a lot of things there weren’t explained, so I’m left really confused and frustrated. So I’m really glad I didn’t pay money for this book because I would be really mad. Now, I’m just unsatisfied, but that can be easily sorted with reading something else.

I’m not really sure what to say about the good points in this book because I can’t really think of much, just that I liked the premise. I didn’t care for any of the characters or the romance between Sara and Quinn because it didn’t seem real to me so I wasn’t too bothered whether they would end up together or not. The only character that really caught my attention was Donovan so if I ever get around to reading the second book, it’ll be because it’s his book. I wouldn’t hold my breath for it though, there are far better books to read....more

DNF 5%. That must be a new record for me. I wasn't in the mood for it. I got far enough to see the instalove and the MC was a damsel in distress (needed to be saved by the "hero" in the very beginning). Of course he also knew instantly she was his "mate," but couldn't tell her because she'd get freaked out. That was enough for me. If I had read this a couple years ago, I might have liked it, but my tastes have changed. No rating.

Based on what Sarah, Kate, and Cathy had to say, I don't think I wDNF 5%. That must be a new record for me. I wasn't in the mood for it. I got far enough to see the instalove and the MC was a damsel in distress (needed to be saved by the "hero" in the very beginning). Of course he also knew instantly she was his "mate," but couldn't tell her because she'd get freaked out. That was enough for me. If I had read this a couple years ago, I might have liked it, but my tastes have changed. No rating.

Based on what Sarah, Kate, and Cathy had to say, I don't think I would have liked it if I would have kept going.

★★★½✩ I was really enjoying this first in the Dragonfire series; loved the characters (and there were a lot!), loved the plot, and this made it for a fast page-turning read.

Then. Things. Changed.

I felt the author played a little fast & loose with the abilities and magic of the characters and world. She didn't have her “rules” firm enough, IMHO. Why didn't a character used that ability earlier? (Which happened more than once!) (view spoiler)[What was with the hero’s keen not-so-keen sense of smell? Why didn't a character recognize another character? Why didn’t the hero ensure the safety of his lady before antagonizing a potential foe, and then rapidly try to erect a defense? Especially given his history. (view spoiler)[Why could one character shape shift to enable escape, but didn’t do so earlier? Oh, because they didn’t know. But wait, they did! (hide spoiler)] Why didn’t the dirt in the tunnel stop the smoke? I don’t know about that world, but here in the Real one, it does. (hide spoiler)] And on and on.

Some parts of the book were fun and engaging, I enjoyed the author’s “voice” and I could forgive a few little things as a “first in the series book” - but the inconsistencies just started snowballing out of control, making me roll my eyes one too many times and lose interest. (And I was really, really interested the first 3/4 of the book!)

I did this as a “buddy read,” so of course I finished; I think my fellow “BRs” liked it more than I did, so you should probably give it a chance. In fact, I’m willing to give this author another shot. I’m just getting the next in the series from the library. ☺

My first DC book and also the first book in the series. It wasn't anything special, but, being a Dragonfire newbie, I didn't expect much. Especially not from the first book in a series where it's all mostly about history-, mythos-, and world-building.

Kiss of Fire was no exception, giving a nice, albeit rushed, introduction into the world of the Pyr, their war against the Slayers, the firestorm-business etc.

Granted, there were no vampires, werewolves, witches or warlocks present, but I couldn't sMy first DC book and also the first book in the series. It wasn't anything special, but, being a Dragonfire newbie, I didn't expect much. Especially not from the first book in a series where it's all mostly about history-, mythos-, and world-building.

Kiss of Fire was no exception, giving a nice, albeit rushed, introduction into the world of the Pyr, their war against the Slayers, the firestorm-business etc.

Granted, there were no vampires, werewolves, witches or warlocks present, but I couldn't shake the feeling of deja-vu. It all seemed a little familiar to me, especially the whole deal with the firestorm, finding a destined mate, and breed like bunnies before it's too late.Though there was a variation to the theme - apparently they can fall in love with someone who isn't their destined mate, and (judging from a future hero) they can have more than one firestorm in their life with different partners.

The whole Pyr/Slayer world and history aside, what was left was a quite good story, nothing memorable, but not junk either. On one side Sara's (the human) quick about face was refreshing from the usual template "I-don't-believe-a-thing-I-just-saw-with-my-own-two-eyes" heroine, but taking the time frame into consideration a bit too rushed and quick for my peace of mind...Actually, the whole story seemed a bit rushed in the time frame they all had alloted.

Still, a not bad starter of a series, and I truly (since I own the next tree books) hope it will only get better....more

I love to read. I'll read just about anything, even stuff I know is trash, and at least be able to get some enjoyment out of it. I hate to leave a book series unfinished, and even if I'm really not all that interested in it any more, I'll plow through to the end. When I read The Call of the Wild, I was bored to tears, and didn't start to like it until around half way through (the second half was great though :). So when I tell you that I only managed to get half way through chapter four in KissI love to read. I'll read just about anything, even stuff I know is trash, and at least be able to get some enjoyment out of it. I hate to leave a book series unfinished, and even if I'm really not all that interested in it any more, I'll plow through to the end. When I read The Call of the Wild, I was bored to tears, and didn't start to like it until around half way through (the second half was great though :). So when I tell you that I only managed to get half way through chapter four in Kiss of Fire before giving up on it, that should tell you something.

The first thing I noticed was the writing. Usually when a book is crap, it's because it's a plot driven book with no plot, or a character driven book with one-dimensional cardboard cut-outs. But usually the writing itself is at least okay. Not so in Kiss of Fire. I don't mean to say that the writing was horrible, just that it was often awkward, and I would constantly find that my attention was drawn away from the story by it.

The second thing that really bothered me was the "romance". Like most so called romance books, there was no romance at all. It's all about lust. The characters aren't thinking about how kind, selfless, humble, patient, forgiving, or honest their love interests are (or about any number of other desirable character qualities). Instead it's all about looks, how handsome/beautiful they both are, and this mysterious instant attraction that they both share. Only it's not so mysterious. They're both horny, they don't know squat about each other, and there's nothing romantic about that at all.

But I've read many such books before, and while I've never really liked any of them, I've found many of them to be at least okay(ish). I suspect that I could have gotten past the previously mentioned issues and enjoyed the book at least a (very) little bit, if it hadn't been for the finial problem (which is actually kind of an extension of my aforementioned problem with the "romance").

The biggest problem I have with this book, and the reason I just couldn't finish it, is that the entire "romance" is prophecy fulfillment. Apparently some people get off on that, thinking it's romantic that these two people are destined to be with each other. I don't.

Here's how I see it:No matter what you want, even if you're in love with someone else, you're stuck with this schmuck because "destiny" says so. You don't have a choice in the matter. Your wishes are totally irrelevant. In other words, you aren't getting together because you choose to, but because you're being forced to. For all the outrage people today would have at the thought of being forced into an arranged marriage, that's exactly what they seek out and call "romantic" with crap books like this one (but it's okay, because your mandated partner is hot and you totally want to jump his bones).

I'd like to read a book in which the attraction is based not only on looks, but on character. I'd like to read a book in which the couple doesn't get together because of destiny, or out of necessity, but because they both know that they could have anyone they want, but they choose each other. This is most definitely not such a book.

P.S. Just so no one misunderstands:There are two different ways to handle prophecies. The first way is as a prediction of the future, with free will left intact. That is, the prophecy could turn out to be wrong, it just probably won't because the prophet (or whatever power is granting the prophecy to the prophet) has a deep supernatural understanding of the character of the people involved and what choices each one will make of his own free will.

A great example of some wonderful books that use this type of prophecy (with one of my favorite romances) is The Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind.

The other way to handle prophecy is exactly as Kiss of Fire does: Here's what will happen, and you have no choice in the matter. The prophecy must be obeyed....more

It was an enjoyable read but also a bit confusing. I still don't understand what the firestorm thingie is supposed to be and the fighting scenes had me reading twice. otherwise the world building and the characters are interesting. I'll def try book 2 :)

A world of shape-shifting dragon warriors. A self-reliant loner blacksmith. A bookstore-owner ace accountant. A fated meeting that can change the course of destiny.

I picked Kiss of Fire from the library because I was intrigued with the idea of shape-shifting dragons, and I’m always on the look-out for a new paranormal series to read. Furthermore, with the second book besides it, Kiss of Fury, it guarantees me the chance to read the next one if I like the first.

Kiss of Fire is about Sara Keegan,A world of shape-shifting dragon warriors. A self-reliant loner blacksmith. A bookstore-owner ace accountant. A fated meeting that can change the course of destiny.

I picked Kiss of Fire from the library because I was intrigued with the idea of shape-shifting dragons, and I’m always on the look-out for a new paranormal series to read. Furthermore, with the second book besides it, Kiss of Fury, it guarantees me the chance to read the next one if I like the first.

Kiss of Fire is about Sara Keegan, an ace accountant who now runs a New Age bookstore she inherited from her recently deceased aunt. After nearly killed by a mysterious stranger, she was saved by what she thought was a dragon. Truth be told, it was Quinn Tyrell, a Pyr, a race of beings that can shape-shift into dragons. He is also the Smith with power over metals, and according to prophecy Sara, unknown to her is the Seer. Fated by destiny and the advent of “firestorm”, a mating signal that pulls them to each unequivocably, Sara was drawn into the magical world of the Pyr, and the man who claims to be her mate and protector. Meanwhile, Quinn has to confront his own misconceptions of his past, learn to trust and work with his fellow Pyr, and follow what his heart wants.

I enjoyed the book. Deborah Cooke’s prose is pretty simple and very readable. There is almost a childlike quality to the words, that makes the story just flow. What I love most is her descriptions of the dragons, most especially the focus on their colors. The fight scenes among the Pyr was also well done, and I can actually close my eyes and see them battling in the skies.

I also like the hero and the heroine, although the attraction between them seem to happen just too fast. I guess, the fated element is in play here, so there is not much struggling on their part on being together. There is also the introduction of the other Pyrs who obviously will be playing lead roles in the next books I assume. I’m sure she will expand more on the world she has created for the Pyr and the Slayers in the next stories to come.

Overall, I would recommend this book with some reservation. Some readers might find the romance a little too simplistic, but for a quick, light read with some magic and fantasy meld in, Kiss of Fire is not a bad choice.

A couple months back I asked for dragon shifter recommendations after finishing G.A.Aiken and Katie MacAlister's dragon series. Turns out I have a thing for dragons. Who knew?! That landed me with Deborah Cooke and the Dragonfire novels. I really liked it too. The first few chapters were a little hard to process. A lot of characters are thrown into the mix right at the start and not in an easy way. The hardest part for me were the fight scenesOriginally posted at Herding Cats & Burning Soup

A couple months back I asked for dragon shifter recommendations after finishing G.A.Aiken and Katie MacAlister's dragon series. Turns out I have a thing for dragons. Who knew?! That landed me with Deborah Cooke and the Dragonfire novels. I really liked it too. The first few chapters were a little hard to process. A lot of characters are thrown into the mix right at the start and not in an easy way. The hardest part for me were the fight scenes early on where there were so many dragons on the good guy (Pyr) and bad guy (Slayers) sides. Cooke used dragon colors to distinguish between all the different dragons and it made my head spin since every dragon had a different coloring. I decided to just go with it and read through those parts and not worry too much about matching dragons up with sides. After that it was much easier to get into the story. I liked the twist on dragons that they were earths protectors and gifted with the four elements (fire, earth, wind, water). That the Pyr were protectors of earth's treasures including humans while the Slayers were rogue dragons out to eliminate both the Pyr and humans.

Quinn Tyrrell and Sara Keegan were a sweet couple. They were easy together which was a nice change from so many series where the couple is always bickering or butting heads. Right from the start they fell into an easy banter and I couldn't help but smile along with them. It really felt like they had known each other for quite some time instead of just a handful of days. Even when they argued it was kind of sweet in an odd sort of way. They just felt right together which was a good thing since they were destined mates. I liked how Sara and her newly discovered seer abilities were used to help Quinn come to terms with his past and help lead him towards trusting the right people/dragons. I thought it was a nice start to the series and enjoyed the plot of Sara and Quinn coming together to fulfill a prophecy and saving the Pyr. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on the next book in the series and getting to know some of the secondary characters a bit better.

3.5stars actuallyFor this series initial journey Quinn Tyrell, a dragon shape shifter & Smith knows he’s met his mate Human Sara Keegan the latent seer as prophecy foretold thousands of years ago. Naturally they are instantly drawn to each other. He is charming, sexy, single minded, protective and lethal from their first meeting as he downs the foes that are trying to stop his destined mating (firestorm) with Sara. Sara’s logical mind and latent psychic ability will lead the Pyr down paths t3.5stars actuallyFor this series initial journey Quinn Tyrell, a dragon shape shifter & Smith knows he’s met his mate Human Sara Keegan the latent seer as prophecy foretold thousands of years ago. Naturally they are instantly drawn to each other. He is charming, sexy, single minded, protective and lethal from their first meeting as he downs the foes that are trying to stop his destined mating (firestorm) with Sara. Sara’s logical mind and latent psychic ability will lead the Pyr down paths that could give them the edge in their ongoing battle with rebel Pyr known as the Slayers.

There was much to like in this serviceable origin story with an ongoing Pyr/Slayer war as they battle over the fate of earth and humankind. I also noticed the very faint tendrils of an overall arc and theme – but it wasn’t consistently highlighted in this entry. I wanted to love this read, but in the end felt it was only slightly above average with likable characters and enough information to fan desire for a second outing. Being a series foundation story a lot of exposition had to be given and it was done reasonably well by having the heroine delve into myths and writings to gain an understanding of what was happening to and around her. The action scenes were fun and came when they were most needed giving our intrepid hero an opportunity to bond, flex and fly. The secondary characters were mostly enjoyable and somewhat fleshed – but there were a couple that went no where. I really enjoyed the growth arc for Quinn and it also opened the door to expand the series and universe. I liked the climax with the villain but thought it was too talky and a tad telegraphed.

On the other hand, there were things that didn’t sit well with me as a reader. So much rested on Sara that she ended up being the weak link of the story (IMHO). For instance Sara definitely missed the sophisticated innocent mark as she ventured to the border of contrived plot device-land at the midpoint of the book – there’s no way you can know everything and nothing about the same thing at the same time. Plus some of the exposition pieces were overlong and allowed my mind to wander. I also thought she accepted this new world and the happenings too readily for it to ring true to her character. Another nit in need of picking was the story could have been tighter and better executed which may have eliminated or reduced my dissatisfaction..

I think this could be a satisfying beach or waiting room read, there was enough to keep this reader going but not so much to the exclusion of all else. ...more

Well, I guess I should start by saying that I knew right from the start that this book was supposedly mediocre. There is no supposedly about it. This is mediocre, but I really wanted to like it. It had a good idea. Quinn was cute, Sarah was alright. The idea of shape shifting dragons got me really excited, but this was just not put together right. Which was a huge shame.

One thing that bothered me in a huge way was that I was never sure what size the dragons were. I started this book with the idWell, I guess I should start by saying that I knew right from the start that this book was supposedly mediocre. There is no supposedly about it. This is mediocre, but I really wanted to like it. It had a good idea. Quinn was cute, Sarah was alright. The idea of shape shifting dragons got me really excited, but this was just not put together right. Which was a huge shame.

One thing that bothered me in a huge way was that I was never sure what size the dragons were. I started this book with the idea that the dragons would be big beasties, but then I started to get the impression that they were the size of bats? Did I miss something because I don't think Deborah Cooke explained their size. Also I understand that the dragons can beguile humans, but to my understanding they have to be staring a human in the eye, so the hastily explained brush off that the dragons had beguiled all the humans while they had their airborne firebreathing rumble in the sky did not wash. Please, Madame authoress, don't assume your readers are stupid.

Also Sarah and Quinn's first meetings left me seriously annoyed. I can understand anyone not believing in the existence of dragons, but can you still refuse to believe when one is staring you in the face? Because now you're the crazy one if you keep refusing to believe.

Plus the firestorm thing left me feeling confused and letdown. What I thought would be a fiery and passionate joining was pretty lackluster and as close to a "fade to black" scene as could get. Did it mean death when the firestorm dies out? Can it happen more then once?

*shakes book in frustrated anger* What the hell is going on!!!!

Just sitting here thinking about this book is making me more confused and mad and that is not a good place to be after finishing a book. Kind of leaves you p*ssed that you wasted time, money and energy trying to figure this out. Such a crying shame because I really wanted to like this book. Call me a glutton for punishment or a hopeless optimist but I have great hopes for the second book, Kiss of Fury, so I am willing to try again. ...more

I never got around to writing a review, but I found this list lurking in my drafts, so I'm just going to leave it at that.

Likes:*A solid dragon history and world-building.*Each dragon has their own colors and specialty. Neat.*It was a nice change of pace that Sara accepted the unbelievable when confronted with it, although at the same time I felt she fell into it a little too easily. So I guess that's a bit of a con as well.*The fight scenes were well-done and quite gruesome. Kudos!*Sophie, theI never got around to writing a review, but I found this list lurking in my drafts, so I'm just going to leave it at that.

Likes:*A solid dragon history and world-building.*Each dragon has their own colors and specialty. Neat.*It was a nice change of pace that Sara accepted the unbelievable when confronted with it, although at the same time I felt she fell into it a little too easily. So I guess that's a bit of a con as well.*The fight scenes were well-done and quite gruesome. Kudos!*Sophie, the Wyvern prophetess. I liked her and hope she gets her own book.

Dislikes:*Two sensible, logical, practical (as I was excessively reminded) people in a relationship kinda make for a boring read.*Sara: She sounds good on paper, but I always found her somewhat off. Like there's something not quite right. One thing I found odd was no mention of friends. Not even a "I was such a workaholic as a jet-setting accountant that I never had time for friends" throwaway line. Her past was glossed over so whatever Sara either mentioned or thought had no emotional impact. It was all weird. I just never felt she was real so could never emphasize or care much about her. In some ways she was perfect and I can't even recall one flaw. She always had the solution to a problem and was the one that pointed out the obvious, leaving everyone around her amazed at her insight (seriously). *rolls eyes* She is the Seer after all. It's rather annoying really.*The firestorm idea was confusing. Sometimes it seemed to be a mating call type of thing, than at others, more like an event. Maybe it's both, I'm unsure.*How big are the dragons exactly?

I'm not so interested in book two's dragon-shifter Donovan, but Erik, Rafferty, Niall are all promising characters. Besides, Niall's dragonform colors are amethyst and platinum, which are so my colors (Yes, I really am that shallow. :P)....more

Nice introduction to a very original series. While I have read series about Dragon shifters already, I have never read a whole series about them. There are not many Pyr (dragon shifters) in the world, only about a dozen, and half of them have decided to turn evil. These destructive beings call themselves the Slayers. They just wanna kill every living Pyr on Earth so killing humans will be even easier, but mostly they just wanna take their race to their 'rightful' place.

While I did find the Pyr iNice introduction to a very original series. While I have read series about Dragon shifters already, I have never read a whole series about them. There are not many Pyr (dragon shifters) in the world, only about a dozen, and half of them have decided to turn evil. These destructive beings call themselves the Slayers. They just wanna kill every living Pyr on Earth so killing humans will be even easier, but mostly they just wanna take their race to their 'rightful' place.

While I did find the Pyr idea original, I felt the way the plot was described completely tainted it. The good guys against the bad ones, the bad guys trying to rule the world, the huge attraction between the main characters and the way they were not sure if they could survive and make their relationship work... blah, blah, blah... read stories like this one a hundred times already. So while it had something that made it a bit more interesting that others I've read, it was still more of the same IMHO.

It did have some elements that could make things much more interesting though, if the author decides to exploit them. I really hope she does, because I can see that this series has potential.

Also as most first books in a series, too much information was given at the same time and not correctly explained, which I hated because it's always so interesting to read every detail about new worlds. That's what I like the most about this genre. So let's hope next book explains things better and in a slower and more detailed way....more

3 1/2 starsI really liked it a lot up to the end when instead of going out with a bang, it kinda fizzled for me. The characters reactions started being unrealistic and I lost the connection to some of the characters and story. It is not that I didn't understand the happenings with the story, only that the timing of the battle, the reasoning, the banter during battle, the non-nonchalant attitude, just made me lose the feel for the story. It was a bit obvious who the bad dragons were and who the g3 1/2 starsI really liked it a lot up to the end when instead of going out with a bang, it kinda fizzled for me. The characters reactions started being unrealistic and I lost the connection to some of the characters and story. It is not that I didn't understand the happenings with the story, only that the timing of the battle, the reasoning, the banter during battle, the non-nonchalant attitude, just made me lose the feel for the story. It was a bit obvious who the bad dragons were and who the good dragons were but really the story is more the main two characters. Also, Sara has TSTL moments, along with Derek's too stupid to keep her safe moments. Things just didn't flow in the end. (view spoiler)[ So Brutus (?name, the russian top slayer), doesn't out and out kill the seer, no he tries to set up the Pyr. OK after the save, shouldn't the Wyvern be moved? Then they are back and instead of killing her, Ambrose plays with her. Then, after killing Ambrose, how does that make the seer any safer, the slayers are still out there? Yet Sara is traveling alone to the cabin at the end. (hide spoiler)]

So all these ending... ploys to make the book more exciting?... made it not as cohesive, not as good as it could have been. So to go up to 4 or drop it down? I will read the next in the series, the storyline and side characters make me want to see what will happen next, so for a first in a series, that'll bump it up... for now....more

A great first-in-series dragon book. Not over the top outstanding but still very, very good.

Quinn Tyrell is the legendary "Smith" (ie blackmith) to the dragons. He is orphaned when he is 4 and doesn't grow up surrounded by dragons or dragon-lore. He feels alone and outcast and very distrustful of all dragons.

Sara Keegan, human, accountant, new-age bookshop owner is the Smith's fated mate. She is also The Seer, although she doesn't believe she has a psychic bone in her body.

Quinn is of the Pyr -A great first-in-series dragon book. Not over the top outstanding but still very, very good.

Quinn Tyrell is the legendary "Smith" (ie blackmith) to the dragons. He is orphaned when he is 4 and doesn't grow up surrounded by dragons or dragon-lore. He feels alone and outcast and very distrustful of all dragons.

Sara Keegan, human, accountant, new-age bookshop owner is the Smith's fated mate. She is also The Seer, although she doesn't believe she has a psychic bone in her body.

Quinn is of the Pyr - the good dragons and of course, therefore there must be bad dragons - the Slayers. The Slayers wish to destroy the Pyr so that they can destroy humanity.

One problem I see with that, that isn't addressed in the book, is that if all the humans are destroyed who will they breed with. There is only 1 female Pyr, the Wyvern, who issues prophecies. She also can't mate with her fellow Pyr. So in effect they will be wiping themselves out.

The book was so fantastic that I couldn't help but share a couple snippets of this one! And yes, this is exactly why I couldn't put this book down!

‎"She'd really prefer that the man in question not be nuts. Or weird. Or a stalker.She was fussy like that."

~*~

"No Pry can touch you when you're securely inside my smoke.""Except you," Sara said, feeling obliged to clarify.Quinn's eyes brightened as he held her gaze. "Except me," he agreed quietly, his low words doing something to her equilibrium that felt a whole lot like magic. "But even that, princess, is invitation-only."

Highly recommend this one to any paranormal romance lover! Off to read Kiss of Fury!...more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.Wow, there was nothing good about this. Thin plot, no relationship building, and weird senseless "plot twists." I cannot believe that Erik recommends the dragon book for Sara to read, but it turns out he hasn't even read it himself...so she ends up teaching them about their own powers?!? Seriously? And Quinn keeps calling Sara a warrior...why because she struggled while someone tried to kill her. I think most people would have fought back. And she calls herself an "ace" accountant. That's like pWow, there was nothing good about this. Thin plot, no relationship building, and weird senseless "plot twists." I cannot believe that Erik recommends the dragon book for Sara to read, but it turns out he hasn't even read it himself...so she ends up teaching them about their own powers?!? Seriously? And Quinn keeps calling Sara a warrior...why because she struggled while someone tried to kill her. I think most people would have fought back. And she calls herself an "ace" accountant. That's like patting yourself on the back - not attractive. Oh and my god - enough with the chocolate fantasies you idiot. Really, it's repetitive and annoying. How childish is this woman that this is the extent of her fantasies? Plus that sounds messy and sticky and Quinn constantly describes her as not wanting to look mussed, so it's unlikely....more

While the concept has a lot of potential, the book did not live up to it. There was no chemistry between the MCs. The female MC went from skeptical straight-laced accountant to lover of dragons in just a few paragraphs. The relationship was lukewarm lust at best. Most of the book was written in a style known as 'information dump'. Instead of showing readers the world, the reader is told about it in a rather tedious long winded manner. Would have appreciated more character development among all iWhile the concept has a lot of potential, the book did not live up to it. There was no chemistry between the MCs. The female MC went from skeptical straight-laced accountant to lover of dragons in just a few paragraphs. The relationship was lukewarm lust at best. Most of the book was written in a style known as 'information dump'. Instead of showing readers the world, the reader is told about it in a rather tedious long winded manner. Would have appreciated more character development among all involved as well as proper secondary character introductions. Too much of the story was rushed through and glossed over in order to meet word count. The prologue was useless. That information could have been revealed through the story itself thus adding some a bit of depth to the events at hand....more

Really interesting world building but the romance was boooring. I didn't feel any connection between the characters and there was no spark even with the famed 'firestorm'. The hero acted like a 21st century man - all polite and politically correct - even though he could shift into a dragon. Huh? I would expect somebody who can shift into a mythical creature to have more fire in them, so to speak.

The fights were also very convoluted and it was difficult to imagine what was going on, specially wheReally interesting world building but the romance was boooring. I didn't feel any connection between the characters and there was no spark even with the famed 'firestorm'. The hero acted like a 21st century man - all polite and politically correct - even though he could shift into a dragon. Huh? I would expect somebody who can shift into a mythical creature to have more fire in them, so to speak.

The fights were also very convoluted and it was difficult to imagine what was going on, specially when the heroine was riding in the hero's back (while he was in dragon form). I really couldn't tell how he could fight with her on his back or tail or whatever.

Chapter 1 lost me when the heroine (average civilian type, not asskicking warrior variety) was attacked with intent to kill, was rescued by the hero, and then just picked up her purse and went home instead of calling the police to let them know there was a psychopath running around attacking women.

Reminiscent of my first and last experience with Feehan, wherein I spent the entire book hoping the irresponsible, braindead heroine would die. Learned my lesson that time. They don't get smarter. QuiChapter 1 lost me when the heroine (average civilian type, not asskicking warrior variety) was attacked with intent to kill, was rescued by the hero, and then just picked up her purse and went home instead of calling the police to let them know there was a psychopath running around attacking women.

Reminiscent of my first and last experience with Feehan, wherein I spent the entire book hoping the irresponsible, braindead heroine would die. Learned my lesson that time. They don't get smarter. Quit....more

Such a readable story! I meant to only read a few chapters before bedtime and found myself at 2 o'clock on the morning with a finished book. I thought the world building was well-done, the fighting scenes nicely-written and I enjoyed the fast-paced action of the book. The characters were likeable and I'm looking forward to the next in the series. It's definitely an interesting start to the series, but I'm hoping for more interaction between the main characters in the next book. This one seemed aSuch a readable story! I meant to only read a few chapters before bedtime and found myself at 2 o'clock on the morning with a finished book. I thought the world building was well-done, the fighting scenes nicely-written and I enjoyed the fast-paced action of the book. The characters were likeable and I'm looking forward to the next in the series. It's definitely an interesting start to the series, but I'm hoping for more interaction between the main characters in the next book. This one seemed all about the quest and less about them ending up together... ...more

Wow!!A huge THANK YOU to Carla over at Book Monster Reviews http://bookmonsterreviews.blogspot.com/for introducing me to this author.And seeing as I won book 6 in the series I thought it would be a wise idea to read the first five!!IT WAS REALLY GREATI have to say I have read quite a few shifter novels but this is my first about dragons (if you don't count Firelight by Sophie Jordan)I really enjoyed this story and all the characters. I really cant wait to read the rest of the series.

OMG! I forgot how much I love this series! It has been awhile since I read it and I just have to tell you that is just so wrong.

Now, let me tell you my thoughts on the first book in the Dragonfire series – Kiss of Fire. Sara and Quinn are strong, charismatic characters that are easily connected to and I just fell in love with them from the get go. The romance is sweet and has lots of spectacular chemistry flowing from the pages but the relationship has a few stumbling blocks as Sara doesn’t belOMG! I forgot how much I love this series! It has been awhile since I read it and I just have to tell you that is just so wrong.

Now, let me tell you my thoughts on the first book in the Dragonfire series – Kiss of Fire. Sara and Quinn are strong, charismatic characters that are easily connected to and I just fell in love with them from the get go. The romance is sweet and has lots of spectacular chemistry flowing from the pages but the relationship has a few stumbling blocks as Sara doesn’t believe in fate or magic, so what’s a dragon that is facing his firestorm to do? Risk everything to fulfill their entwined fates like that’s the easiest thing in the world to do, right? Having to go through emotional turmoil along with life altering as well as mind altering decisions is certainly not easy so this couple’s happily ever after is quite a bit of interesting and fulfilling hard work.

And that’s not all, this book is full of excitement and thrills as anticipation and suspense build throughout the story which kept me on the edge of my seat and hanging on to every last word that this couple said. The fast paced story never has a dull moment and introduces and a whole new and fascinating world of dragons that I find to be exhilarating.

Deborah Cooke’s Dragonfire world is well developed, easily pictured and easily get the imagination flowing as it introduces some wonderfully unique elements and delightful and intriguing characters and did I mention how sexy these dragons are? I loved Kiss of Fire and I can’t wait for the re-release of the second book - Kiss of Fury!...more

I was a little unsure about reading this book initially as I wasn't sure how the idea of dragon shapeshifters would play out, but it turned out to be a really good read.

Sara is an accountant turned magic book store owner, after inheriting the business from her aunt and after her parents died in a car crash whilst on holiday. Quinn is a Pyr, a dragon shape shifter, who has no alliances with any other Pyr and has no desire for any either. He is the Smith, the Pyr who can make fire do his bidding.I was a little unsure about reading this book initially as I wasn't sure how the idea of dragon shapeshifters would play out, but it turned out to be a really good read.

Sara is an accountant turned magic book store owner, after inheriting the business from her aunt and after her parents died in a car crash whilst on holiday. Quinn is a Pyr, a dragon shape shifter, who has no alliances with any other Pyr and has no desire for any either. He is the Smith, the Pyr who can make fire do his bidding. He meets Sara after rescuing her from an attack by a Slayer, an evil Pyr and soon the firestorm rages up between them. The firestorm is what all Pyr wait for - the time to find their mate and breed.

Sara feels the passion between them, but is reluctant to go any further with Quinn. She is very quickly immersed in his world and the battle between the Pyr and the Slayers, who are intent on killing Sara to prevent the prophecy of her being the Seer and joining with the Smith from coming true.

Sara is a strong, determined woman and I loved the balance she brought to their relationship, even if she was a little too accepting of strange occurrences at times, like the first time Quinn turned into his dragon form in front of her. And how did he manage to fit inside the bookstore? How big was he? Was he Harry Potter sized dragons or Spyro the dragon sized?

The character of the Wyvern annoyed me - she is the only female Pyr to exist (only males are born and they have to breed with female humans to carry on their species). She kept sending dreams to Sara in which she asked for help, but did nothing to help herself at all. She was kept shackled in a cabin, but when Sara finally arrives to save her, the Wyvern manages to turn into a salamander and easily slipped out of her chains - now why couldn't she have done that a bit earlier and save all the Pyr from getting injured in the big fight?! She claims it was to bring Sara and Quinn together, but surely if it was their destiny, they would have found a way to be together anyway?

I was glad that Quinn found out the truth of what happened to his family in the past and glad he managed to resolve some of his anger. Hopefully, now he will learn to work with the other Pyr and become stronger because of it.

I liked the idea of the Pyr being at one with Mother Nature and using the elements as part of their power, something I haven't read about before. I liked the writing style, but I do think that the whole plot of the story moved very quickly. Basically, boy meets girl, they fall quickly for each other, fight a few fights, sleep together, girl falls pregnant, firestorm goes out, boy starts to age despite the fact that he is immortal, fight the big fight, win the battle, kill the big bad and live happily ever after all in about 5 days I think! Still I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series....more

Searching for a calmer life after the death of her parents and favorite aunt, Sara Keegan moves to a small community to run a New Age bookstore. She doesn't share the belief of her customers and is more concerned with balancing the books than anything else. But when she is mugged one night after leaving work, a gorgeous man saves her, and she swears she saw him turn into a dragon.

Quinn Tyrrell is a Pyr who has lived on his own for centuries, but he is called by the firestorm, he rushes to findSearching for a calmer life after the death of her parents and favorite aunt, Sara Keegan moves to a small community to run a New Age bookstore. She doesn't share the belief of her customers and is more concerned with balancing the books than anything else. But when she is mugged one night after leaving work, a gorgeous man saves her, and she swears she saw him turn into a dragon.

Quinn Tyrrell is a Pyr who has lived on his own for centuries, but he is called by the firestorm, he rushes to find his intended mate. Unfortunately, a dragon slayer learned of the firestorm first, and tried to kill the woman he was meant to mate with. Not only must he convince her that she is meant to be with a dragon, but he has to protect her from the band of slayers trying to eradicate the Pyr and humans altogether.

Kiss of Fire is the first paranormal romance I've read involving Pyr(dragons), and it won't be the last. Both Sara and Quinn are independent people before they are brought together by the firestorm, and they don't take to relying on others easily. But they cannot deny the attraction they have for each other. They, along with all of the secondary characters drew me into the story, wanting to know about their past, present, and future, if they survived and were to have one together.

The story is filled with intense dragon fighting scenes, scorching kisses that lead to a whole lot more between-the-sheets action, and a bunch of hot alpha men...dragons.

I look forward to reading about Donovan's firestorm next. Whether you're a fan of paranormal romance or not, be sure to check out Kiss of Fire....more

Awesome series. I originally picked this up because the cover was amazing and the summary on the back looked really good, after reading some of the reviews I didnt want to start it but decided Ill make my own opinion and started reading. I was enchanted it had me turning pages as fast as I could read just to get to the end, which the only dissapointment was that it ended but not to worry there were five more to follow after that . I love this series

Sara is a really interesting character shes beaAwesome series. I originally picked this up because the cover was amazing and the summary on the back looked really good, after reading some of the reviews I didnt want to start it but decided Ill make my own opinion and started reading. I was enchanted it had me turning pages as fast as I could read just to get to the end, which the only dissapointment was that it ended but not to worry there were five more to follow after that . I love this series

Sara is a really interesting character shes beautiful and smart and quiet/timid but Quinn will see to that. Her role in this series is very important which you will come to know

Quinn is hella hot and a Dragon!!!! and very protective of his destined mate this is a true quality in a paranormal romace and absolute staple. His past also creates an interesting twist to the main outlying story that is carried on through the series.

I can see why Deborah Cooke started with this couple as their firestorm is very important to the continuation of the series.

Hello Firestorm what an excellent name for a soul mate match and the whole concept in getting the destined woman pregnant is a really interesting twist. I love that you see sparks when they touch

I really believed in their love even though it happened so quickly some times when its meant to be time doesnt really factor.

I really look forward to any cameos they will most definately have in the rest of the series.

This is an awesome series that really doesnt get the credit it deserves am really looking forward to the rest of the stories....more

Bestselling and award-winning author Deborah Cooke has published over fifty novels and novellas, including historical romances, fantasy romances, fantasy novels with romantic elements, paranormal romances, contemporary romances, urban fantasy romances, time travel romances and paranormal young adult novels. She writes as hDeborah Cooke also writes under the names Claire Delacroix and Claire Cross.

Bestselling and award-winning author Deborah Cooke has published over fifty novels and novellas, including historical romances, fantasy romances, fantasy novels with romantic elements, paranormal romances, contemporary romances, urban fantasy romances, time travel romances and paranormal young adult novels. She writes as herself, Deborah Cooke, as Claire Delacroix, and has written as Claire Cross. She is nationally bestselling, #1 Kindle Bestselling, KOBO Bestselling, as well as a USA Today and New York Times’ Bestselling Author. Her Claire Delacroix medieval romance, The Beauty, was her first book to land on the New York Times List of Bestselling Books.

Deborah was the writer-in-residence at the Toronto Public Library in 2009, the first time TPL hosted a residency focused on the romance genre, and she was honored to receive the Romance Writers of America PRO Mentor of the Year Award in 2012. She’s a member of Romance Writers of America and of Novelists Inc.